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Updates on Christ Church Cathedral's Dean Transition

Dear Siblings in Christ,

I join the Congregations Committee, Cathedral Chapter and people from all over the Episcopal Church in Connecticut in giving God thanks for the extraordinary leadership of Dean Howell over the past twelve years. I will miss Dean Howell's ministry at the Cathedral, but also across ECCT. It has been a gift to serve together, and I am excited for the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts as they anticipate their shared ministry with her as their Bishop.

As to what's next, I have been in conversation with the Chairs of the Congregations Committee and the Cathedral Chapter and am pleased to announce that the Rev. Canon Harlon Dalton has agreed to serve as Interim Dean. Canon Dalton is well known to the Cathedral community having served during the previous transition and, most recently, during Dean Howell's sabbatical.

Over the next few months, we will spend some time in discernment regarding who God might be calling to serve as the next Dean of Christ Church Cathedral. We will have time for listening and talking together, and I will be working closely with Cathedral leadership and in regular communication.

Until then, this is the season to focus on saying thank you and goodbye to Dean Howell. We know that good "goodbyes" make for good "hellos." God is grateful for the incredible ministry you have shared, and so are we in ECCT.

Yours in Christ,

Jeffrey Mello

Bishop Diocesan, The Episcopal Church in Connecticut

A Message from Dean Howell

Grace and peace to you in this holy season,

As I write, my heart is full of gratitude. After twelve years of shared ministry, prayer, service, and transformation, I write to let you know that my final Sunday at the Cathedral, serving as your Dean, will be January 25, 2026. This letter marks the beginning of our intentional farewell, even as the next chapters for the Cathedral and for me begin to come into view.

As of February 1, 2026, I will join the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts as Bishop-elect. My ordination to the episcopate will take place at Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield, Massachusetts on April 25, 2026.

It has been one of the great blessings and privileges of my life and ministry to serve as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford. Together, we have walked through seasons of joy and sorrow, challenge and renewal, uncertainty and deep hope. We have prayed boldly, loved generously, and sought to live more fully into God’s call to be a Cathedral rooted in worship, justice, hospitality, and the life of the city. I give thanks to God for each of you and for the ways your faith, leadership, generosity, and courage have shaped me as a priest and as a follower of Jesus.

Transitions are always tender. They invite both gratitude and grief, memory and hope. My prayer is that in the weeks ahead, we will make space to honor what has been, to say our goodbyes well, and to entrust one another again to God’s faithful care. Good endings, when held with love, make room for faithful beginnings.

In my report to the Annual Meeting of the Cathedral, a section titled “Twelve Years at a Glance” offers a summary of our shared work as we participated together in God’s mission in this corner of God’s Kingdom, along with words of gratitude. To read an excerpt, please click here.

I wish to extend my deepest thanks to our Cathedral lay leaders, Cathedral staff, Associate Priests, and the Bishops of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, both active and retired. Together, we have served God’s people with care, faithfulness, and intentionality. I am forever grateful for this holy partnership. 

As we move toward the light of Christ’s coming, may we be gentle with one another, grounded in gratitude, and open to the Spirit who goes before us. God has been faithful to us, and God will continue to be faithful in all that lies ahead.

With love, deep thanksgiving, and every blessing,

Lina+

The Very Rev. Miguelina Howell

10th Dean of Christ Church Cathedral

A Message from Dr. Jilda Aliotta & John Decker

Dear Friends in Christ,

As you know, our beloved Dean, Miguelina Howell—affectionately known as “Dean Lina”—has been called by God and the people of Western Massachusetts to serve as their 10th Bishop Diocesan. While we feel a deep sense of sadness at her imminent departure, we are immensely grateful for the time we have shared with her over the past 12 years.

We are also pleased to welcome the Rev. Canon Harlon Dalton who has been chosen as the Interim Dean of Christ Church Cathedral. We look forward to working with him in this new role, effective February 1, 2026. Canon Harlon has served in several capacities throughout the years and most recently as Associate Priest and Chapter member in his role as Honorary Canon. Our prayers are with him as he begins this new chapter in his pastoral career.

During the month of January, we will be celebrating Dean Lina’s ministry among us and honoring the many accomplishments that have flourished under her inspiring leadership. These celebrations will culminate in a festive gathering near the end of the month. We will provide more details about these plans after Christmas. Please watch for future announcements.

In addition, we will be presenting Dean Lina with a special gift. Many of you may remember that ten years ago, when Dean Lina was nominated by the Bishop Diocesan and then elected by Chapter to become our Cathedral Dean, the congregation presented her with a cope and liturgical stole—attire befitting a priest on festive occasions. To mark her transition to the episcopate, we would like to purchase a matching chasuble and miter, so that she may continue to use the cope and stole in her new role as Bishop Diocesan.

If you would like to contribute to this gift, please send your contribution to the Cathedral office if you would like more information, please contact Jilda or John. We believe this gift will be a meaningful reminder of her time with the Cathedral, a lasting memory to accompany her throughout her episcopal journey and beyond.

During this time of transition, we invite everyone to reflect on and celebrate the many successes Dean Lina Howell has achieved in her 12 years at CCC. It goes without saying that our congregation is in an excellent place today because of her remarkable leadership.

As we enter this holiday season, let us continue to give thanks for all that we have accomplished together. We pray for a joyful and prosperous 2026 for our congregation and for Dean Lina as she embarks on this new chapter.

With gratitude and blessings, 

Jilda Aliotta / John Decker

Chair & Vice Chair, Congregation Committee